We're coming to round 11, and it's all happening in the rugby
league world.

Our man has dropped in to answer all your burning NRL
questions.

This week, he's got news on:

MORE:

- Why the Roosters haven't formally announced Crichton's
signing

- The potential of Sydney teams merging

- Ponga's Origin chances

- Is Hasler's NRL coaching career over?

Slide on for all the latest...

#1

Ask the NRL Lurker

Ashley Lewis: Hey there Mr Lurker, With all
these major QLD players retiring do you see this as maybe the
turning point for NSW??....And where do you see Taupau (Manly) and
Mbye (Dogs) heading as there’s rumors they’re being shopped around
to help their current clubs salary cap??

The Lurker: Definitely changing of the guard at
Origin level - IF Freddy does the right thing and picks the players
in form. I can see Taupau at Roosters - Mbye maybe Cowboys for
Coote.

#2

Ask the NRL Lurker

Andrew Edmonds: With one finals appearance
in five years and now currently languishing at the bottom of the
ladder, how long til the Eels realise that Brad Arthur simply is
not the supercoach people claim he is? Surely his position has to
be called into question soon? #AskLurk

The Lurker: He will need to start winning some
games soon, no doubt about it. I still think he can coach and
is the best man for the job, but that roster sure has some holes in
it.

#3

Ask the NRL Lurker

Robert Clark: How come the Roosters
haven't actually come out and announced Crichton? I've heard there
are rumours the TPA's have fallen through. Or is it salary cap
related? #AskLurk

The Lurker: This is a VERY good question.
It’s very odd. Something fishy. I am looking into it but I’m sure
it will all be sorted. Roosters far too professional to stuff it
up. Great signing.

#4

Ask the NRL Lurker

DS Stanlee: Are the rumours of certain
Sydney teams being asked to merge again ludicrous? Or if remotely
true, Is Parra one? #AskLurk

The Lurker: The NRL would LOVE a Sydney team to
collapse and merge or relocate… but not sure it will happen. Parra
in no danger, about to move into a new stadium.

#5

Ask the NRL Lurker

Taj Singh: Surely Ponga will feature now that
Smith has retired, Queensland will need a spark from somewhere?
#AskLurk

The Lurker: Ponga would be the first bloke I
pick for QLD - the kid is a freak. There is strong mail he
will picked in the No.14 jersey. Hope not for the Blues’ sake.

#6

Ask the NRL Lurker

Sam Zamattia: Are Saints on the hunt for
any other players and will Nightingale hang the boots up this
season? #AskLurk

The Lurker: Depends on whether Ah Mau stays or
goes. And yes, I think Nightingale will give it away after a great
career. Great clubman.

#7

Ask the NRL Lurker

Matthew James Campbell: Who will be the
next Queensland captain and the Australian captain?
#AskLurk

The Lurker: It may just be Billy Slater for
Queensland. Not much captaincy experience, but 300 plus games is
the best system in the NRL. No real hurry on the Aussie job
but maybe Boyd Cordner or GI.

#8

Ask the NRL Lurker

Lucas Williams: Is the Naiqama to Super
League rumour true. If so will, the Tigers get Curtis Rona?
#AskLurk

The Lurker: I have heard the rumour about Kev…
but then I heard it this time last year too. Rona rumours appear
false.

#9

Ask the NRL Lurker

Denzel Philpot: Who is more likely out of
Granville, McCullough and Friend to take Smith's Queensland spot?
Also, if Aitken gets the NSW centre spot, will Roberts get a spot
outside him on the wing? He is very similar to Gagai and could be
just as productive as Gagai has been for Queensland.
#AskLurk

The Lurker: On form I would say McCullough, but
I wouldn’t argue with Granville. They may even go with Hunt at
No.9. Friend is past his best. I think Roberts will miss out.
His form hasn’t been great of late.

#10

Ask the NRL Lurker

Daniel Frost: Hard to believe Hasler is still
unemployed. Do you have a tip for his next NRL coaching gig?
#AskLurk

The Lurker: I think Michael Maguire is the next
cab off the rank for a vacant coaching job. I’m pretty we’ve seen
the last of Des as a head coach. Too high maintenance and set in
his ways.

#11

Ask the NRL Lurker

Jarred Coull: With the Tigers having only
27 top tier players signed, who are they after before the June 30
deadline? #AskLurk

The Lurker: They will just fill the last three
spots with kids. No big names.

#12

Ask the NRL Lurker

Spacka: Would anyone miss Manly if they were
kicked out of the comp? Shit team, shit coach, shit ground, shit
fans. And the NRL wouldn’t have to worry about protests because
Manly fans don’t know where the city is let alone organising a
protest march there.

The Lurker: The NRL is desperate for a team to
move west so maybe relocation is their best option. And who would
you hate if they were kicked out??

#13

Ask the NRL Lurker

@Bearall0211: Wasn’t Peter Wallace in the box
seat last year until injury? Gee Nathan Peats can think himself
lucky to have a Blues selection on his resume - war stories to tell
for years!

The Lurker: I have thought all year Cook is the
man Queensland don't want to play against - he has cut defence to
pieces. Should get the nod.

#14

Ask the NRL Lurker

@RileyThompy: What happened to Jarryd Hayne in
America? Went from Dally M to playing on the wing for Parra,
getting no Origin talk and is one of the most hated players. Can he
still be a great player?

The Lurker: I think his best days are behind
him - attitude and injuries have caught up with him. I can’t
see him winning a new deal anywhere at this stage.

#15

Ask the NRL Lurker

@SC619171: Young man listen up! Cleary to
Roosters & Hasler to Tigers. 2020, remote chance for 2019. And if
you want to make enquiries to confirm, ask the connections to Egan!
Which Egan? I'm sure you'll work it out.

The Lurker: I’ve heard the same rumour.. early
days.. let’s wait and see. Cleary to Roosters a chance but I
honestly can see Des back in the NRL for some time, if at all.

#16

Ask the NRL Lurker

@brad_seeley: Are Mansour, Junior and Nelson
from the Storm coming to Parra?

The Lurker: No way can they afford all three
and they have ruled themselves out of the race for Mansour. I
know they would love big Nelson Asofa.

#17

Ask the NRL Lurker

@Mikeyh87: Souths forums reckon Hymel Hunt is
being chased by the Roosters. make of it what you want.

The Lurker: I don’t think he is what they want
or need. Lot of rubbish on forums. They are keen on Mansour.

#18

Ask the NRL Lurker

Jordy Bates:

The Lurker: They look like getting Ryan Sutton
from Wigan to replace Paulo and Boyd.